Heidi Harris, Home Sweet Heidi Realty

Best Real Estate Agent

A first-time Maggy winner, Heidi Harris and her team have been matching clients with their dream homes for seven years. Backed by BHHS York Simpson Underwood Realty, Home Sweet Heidi also includes real estate agents Renee Schenk, Libby Azzarello, Emily Adkins and Erika Strahin. They bring knowledge about the Triangle market and a dedication to working hard and having fun.

“Our tagline is, ‘We do the hustle, so you don’t have the hassle,’” said Harris. “The normal person isn’t doing residential real estate every day. We are.”

Real estate is a people business, and she says educating clients, assessing their needs and creating trust is vital for success.

“In our job we see people at their best and we see people at their worst. When we can come through a transaction and make really wonderful relationships, that’s really rewarding,” Harris said, adding that driving around looking at houses means lots of conversations.

“I talk to clients more than I talk to my husband. We’re in these really deep relationships, and then there’s closing, and I miss them.”

homesweetheidi.com

Loyd Builders

Best custom home builder or home renovation specialist

Launched in 2000 by Tripp Loyd, a second-generation home builder, Loyd Builders has won accolades from the Wake County Parade of Homes and the Durham, Orange and Chatham County Parade of Homes.

But the important reviews come from the folks who live in the Loyd homes. “Once you have built a house with Loyd Builders it’s hard to imagine ever being able to use another builder. We loved the building process and the end result,” reads a testimonial from Greg and Susan Dobbyn of Cary.

Locally, you can find the company’s homes in the Sweetwater neighborhood in Apex and in Cary’s MacGregor Downs.

loydbuilders.com

Ethan Carr, AXA Advisors

Best Financial Adviser

contributed photo

How long have you been a financial adviser? I have been in the financial services industry for a little over 3 years now and with AXA coming up on a year.

What makes a good financial adviser? Client care is number one, not only in the business relationship but also caring for the client and the client’s family in a personal manner. Communication is next — being available to discuss with clients, following up in a timely manner, and constantly reviewing the plans set forth to ensure that they are on track to meet goals. Also, consistency — throughout the entire planning process, it’s important to be consistent with recommendations to make sure they are in line with client goals and risk tolerance.

When should people seek financial help? There is no right time, because the appropriate answer is all the time. Major life events are triggers for individuals to begin thinking about their financial future, but with financial planning, there is no such thing as beginning too early. However, beginning too late is one of the biggest risks involved.

raleigh.axa-advisors.com

Coastal Federal Credit Union

Best Financial Institution

In addition to providing stellar financial service, the Maggy-winning credit union helps the community through the Coastal Credit Union Foundation. The foundation provides financial support to area nonprofits that work to support financial education, increase affordable housing and promote financial well-being. In the last seven years, the Coastal Credit Union Foundation has provided more than $1 million in community grants.

“The foundation’s mission has an overlap with Coastal’s, particularly as it pertains to fostering financial well-being, which is something you’ll see even more of from Coastal in the coming year,” said Joe Mecca, a Coastal spokesperson.

“We also include affordable housing in our foundation’s mission, because it’s a growing concern for the Triangle, and has a strong correlation with the services and expertise we can provide.”

coastal24.com

Dr. Bobbi Stanley, Stanley Dentistry

Best Dentist

Dr. Bobbi Stanley and Dr. Robert Stanley lead the Maggy-winning team at Stanley Dentistry.

The team at Stanley Dentistry, which includes Dr. Bobbi Stanley, her husband, Dr. Robert Stanley, and two of their children, offers services from routine cleanings to orthodontics and dental implants. The business and her family keep the three-time Maggy-winner busy, but she slowed down enough to share some sweet deets.

Where were you born? Lumberton, N.C.

When did you found your practice? 1995

What are the benefits of working with family? I absolutely love working with family. Currently our two children, Megan and Robbie, are actively involved in marketing support for our practice. Since they have been a part of the business from birth, we are using their millennial skills combined with their understanding of Stanley Dentistry to share the practice with the community.

I am not sure if any of our children will become dentists. Although my husband and I are passionate about dentistry, we have always encouraged our children to follow their own passions. They make me very proud.

Do you have a favorite treat? Meaning food? I love ice cream, and milkshakes are even better. If you mean a personal time treat, I love to fly. I am a private pilot, and I enjoy being in the sky as often as I can.

What keeps you smiling? Our family. As our children get older and find their own path in this world, it is more difficult to find time together with everyone. My happiest moments are when we are all sitting around the dinner table laughing and reminiscing fun times.

stanleysmiles.com

More From Our Jan-Feb 2019 Issue

• 2019 Maggy Awards: Services
• 2019 Maggy Awards: Restaurants
• 2019 Maggy Awards: Shopping
• 2019 Maggy Awards: Lifestyle
• Exam Room to Legislative Floor
• Hands On
• The Early Spring of Winter Honeysuckle
• Cary’s SideBar: Classic with a Twist
• Liquid Assets: Acorn Brown Ale from Jordan Lake Brewing Company
• Liquid Assets: Oak City Amaretto
• Picture Perfect!
• Sorghum-Spiked Challah French Toast from Postmaster
• Tobacco Road Marathon
• From the Editor: January 2019